Tag: Sony - Page 319
News Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 Shoots Down Japanese Sales Charts
Hottin' up
Japan may be quite introverted with its video game tastes, but it does enjoy the odd first-person shooter. That’s evidenced this week by the surprising sales numbers for Call of Duty: Black Ops 2, which managed to shift a whopping 197,350 units on PlayStation 3 alone. In fact, it was a good week for Sony’s home console in general,...
Talking Point Does the PS4 Need to Do More Than Push Polygons?
Generation game
Nintendo of America boss Reggie Fils-Aime reckons that Sony will need to do more than manufacture cutting edge technology in order to compete with the Wii U. The executive was responding to a query regarding the longevity of the recently released platform once the next generation console eventually arrives. “In the end, our...
News Start a Special Journey with Travel Bug on PlayStation Vita
Around the world in anty days
If you’ve ever wanted a globetrotting insect as a pet, then Lucid Games’ latest PlayStation Vita application should have you smiling like a buccaneer in a biplane. The complimentary Travel Bug will allow you to rear your own adventurous creepy-crawly, and send it on a journey around the world via Near. While your...
News PS Plus Subscribers Secure Free Copy of Batman: Arkham City
The Dark Knight headlines another epic month
We’re not even going to waste our time trying to come up with superlatives to describe next month’s European PlayStation Plus update, because we reckon that the line-up will do the talking for us. From 5th December, premium members will be able to download Rocksteady’s excellent Batman: Arkham City...
News Nintendo: Our Competitors Need to React to What We're Doing
Gadgets and gizmos
Following his controversial interview with CNN earlier in the week, Nintendo of America boss Reggie Fils-Aime has suggested that Sony will need to offer more than just upgraded visuals with the next PlayStation console. Chatting with CNET, the outspoken executive brushed aside claims that the recently released Wii U will be...
News MLB 13 The Show Strikes PS3 and Vita on 5th March
Home run
It may only feel like a few months since the last baseball title launched on PlayStation 3 and Vita (protip: it was), but that’s not stopping Sony from readying MLB 13 The Show for 5th March. The sequel to the popular sports simulation will include a number of new features, including a Playoff option, a beginner setting, and general...
News This PlayStation All-Stars Commercial Is Really Weird
What?
If you thought the European advertisement for PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale was strange, then wait until you watch this North American alternative. It’s been produced by the Robot Chicken team, and shows some of the game’s characters chilling out in a company break room. Unfortunately, while it tries really hard, it isn't even...
News Michael Pachter: PlayStation 4 Will Launch in 2013
Crystal ball
Likeable industry analyst Michael Pachter believes that Sony will release the next PlayStation console in October or November of next year. The chatty Wedbush Securities employee told the latest issue of PLAY magazine that he doesn’t believe the platform holder “wants to launch behind Microsoft again”. He added: "It isn't likely...
News Sony Sponsors BAFTA Young Game Designers Competition
Winners take a trip to Studio London
As our recent feature on the development of Sheffield Hallam University title BounceBack evidenced, Sony is heavily involved in the academic aspect of game production. Reinforcing that, the platform holder took a front seat at the BAFTA Young Game Designers competition, which took place in London last night. The...
News Sony Swatting PlayStation Vita Bugs with Firmware Update
Buzz off
Remember when Sony said that firmware updates would be less intrusive on the PlayStation Vita? Yeah, we didn’t believe them either. The platform holder is currently preparing a patch for the system’s most recent software refresh, which will fix issues pertaining to the automatic save upload function. While the update is due out soon,...
News Sony Promotes Western Titles at Japanese Gaming Event
Around the world in 20 games
When it comes to gaming tastes, Japan can be quite introverted. While it laps up franchises such as Dragon Quest and Monster Hunter, it tends to let the most popular Western brands languish on store shelves. That’s something that Sony’s aiming to change with its annual ‘World Game Project’, a consumer event which...
News PlayStation Vita Games Get Discounted on PSN Next Week
Glad tidings
Black Friday may be little more than a ruinous memory at this point, but that’s not stopping a fresh batch of discounts from flooding the North American PlayStation Store. Announced on the latest episode of the PlayStation Blogcast, Sony has revealed that a total of ten games will see their prices slashed as part of next week’s...
Interview Trading Punches with PlayStation All-Stars' Seth Killian
Fighting talk
Since switching Capcom for Sony Santa Monica, lead game designer Seth Killian has been spending a lot of time with first-party upstart SuperBot Entertainment, where he’s been helping apply the finishing touches to PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale. We were lucky enough to catch up with the fighting game aficionado, where we grilled...
News Admit It, You Want This Glass DualShock 3
Parting gift
Jeff Rubenstein may have departed Sony Computer Entertainment America recently, but the social media wizard will always have something to remember his five years at the company with. In order to recognise his service, the platform holder has awarded the PlayStation Blog guru with a glass replica of the DualShock 3 controller. Not only...
News Kat Has Some Unique Traversal Abilities in PlayStation All-Stars
But she's broken at the moment
Gravity Rush’s popular heroine Kat will boast some unique traversal techniques when she’s added to the roster of PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale as post-release DLC. Chatting with Push Square at a recent launch event in London, former Capcom employee Seth Killian told us that the loveable protagonist will be...
News Sony Slashes Music Unlimited Prices for PlayStation Plus Members
Just dance
PlayStation Plus really is the gift that keeps on giving. Not content with lavishing subscribers with dozens of free games every month, European members will now be able to secure a year’s access to Sony’s audio streaming service Music Unlimited for just £11.99. That represents a cool saving of £107.89. For those out of the loop,...
News Resistance Collection Invades Retailers on 5th December
All Hale
Insomniac Games’ stellar first-person series will get another shot in the spotlight this winter, when Sony fires the Resistance Collection onto North American store shelves on 5th December. The compelling compilation will collate all three titles from the alternate history franchise, alongside five different DLC packs. The bundle will...
News Sony's Stocks Downgraded to 'Junk' By Credit Ratings Agency
Make believe?
Credit ratings agency Fitch has downgraded Sony’s stocks to ‘junk’ status, according to a report by the Financial Times. The firm dropped the conglomerate’s investment-grade score to BB-, indicating that the company is vulnerable to defaulting on debt. Fellow manufacturer Panasonic was reduced to BBB-. “This wasn't an easy...
News Here's How to Claim a Free 30-Day PlayStation Plus Trial
You know you want it
If those of you in the UK are feeling a little bit envious of North America’s outrageous Black Friday deals, we’ve discovered an offer that’s bound to improve your mood. In return for a few minor personal details, Sony is currently giving away free 30-day subscriptions to PlayStation Plus. All you need to do is visit this...
News North American Kids Want a PSP More Than a PlayStation Vita
Stocking fillers
Children aged between 6 and 12 in North America haven’t given up hope on the PlayStation Portable. In fact, the majority of them want one of the last generation handhelds more than the current PlayStation Vita this Christmas. A research poll conducted by Nielsen revealed that while 18 per cent of kids are hungry for a PSP this...
News Assassin's Creed III: Liberation Drags Vita Out of the Danger Zone in Japan
Kiss from a rose
It’s been a recurring theme that whenever software actually launches for the PlayStation Vita in Japan, the system gets a huge boost. That’s remained true this week, with Assassin’s Creed III: Liberation pulling the platform out of the danger zone. The handheld adventure was accompanied by a couple of new colours, which...
News Sony Paints t@g onto the PlayStation Store Today
Shape shifter
Don’t worry if you didn’t get invited to test out Sony’s augmented reality graffiti application t@g earlier this week, as the PlayStation Vita game is set to launch later today as part of the European PlayStation Store refresh. The title – which has been in development since before the handheld was actually announced – takes...
News Sony Succumbs to Seasonal Madness with Insane PS3 Deals
Bandwidth buster
PlayStation 3 owners will have plenty to be grateful for this Thanksgiving, as platform holder Sony is preparing a throng of hot discounts to get you in the seasonal spirit. Starting today, you’ll be able to pick up a slew of PS3 Ultimate Editions from the North American PlayStation Store at up to 66% off (73% for PlayStation Plus...
News PlayStation Mobile Is Providing Publishers with New Avenues to Release Their Content
Covering all bases
PlayStation Mobile may be seen as Sony’s foray into the cheap and cheerful world of smartphone gaming, but it’s also allowing the platform holder to enter new discussions with traditional console publishers as well. Speaking on the latest episode of the PlayStation Blogcast, SCEA president Jack Tretton revealed that through...
News PlayStation Vita Firmware Update v2.00 Available Now
Be prepared
As promised, Sony has released the latest firmware update for the PlayStation Vita. The landmark software refresh – dubbed v2.00 – brings with it a bevy of new features, including PlayStation Plus compatibility and
News Gravity Rush Costumes Sliding into LittleBigPlanet
Dusty?
Sony’s topsy-turvy handheld adventure Gravity Rush will soar into LittleBigPlanet this week, when a new costume pack launches for the popular first-party series. The outfits – featuring Alias, Unica, Raven, and, of course, Kat – will initially be compatible with LittleBigPlanet 2 and LittleBigPlanet Vita, but will be rolled out to Litt
News Ratchet & Clank: Full Frontal Assault Delayed on Vita
We blame Captain Qwark
Ratchet & Clank: Full Frontal Assault will still adhere to Sony’s cross-buy initiative when it releases on the PlayStation Network next week – but unfortunately you won’t be able to redeem the PlayStation Vita version until January. Despite the best efforts of third-party developer Tin Giant, the portable port...
News Sony Deals Uncharted: Fight for Fortune onto Vita This Winter
Plunder the pot
Nathan Drake is set to embark on a brand new adventure this December – in the form of turn-based card game Uncharted: Fight for Fortune. The upcoming PlayStation Vita title – which is in development at Sony Bend and One Loop Games – was leaked earlier in the year, when an errant software rating was spotted online. We suspect...
News Sony Stamping Inboxes with Early Access to Vita App t@g
Unleash your inner Banksy
Sony is inviting PlayStation Vita owners to try out its upcoming GPS-based graffiti application, t@g. The platform holder is currently distributing early access voucher codes via email, so it’s worth diving into your inbox to see if you’ve been asked to sample the streetwise software. “Unleash your creative talent...
News Until Dawn Is Leveraging the Killzone Engine
True grit
Sony’s stunning Killzone franchise has always had a foreboding visual undertone to it, so it’s not particularly surprising to learn that Supermassive Games’ upcoming PlayStation Move exclusive teen horror title Until Dawn is being built on top of the first-person shooter’s incredible technology. Speaking during the latest episode...
News Upcoming Vita Firmware Update Will Allow You to Browse the Web During Gaming Sessions
By popular demand
Being able to browse the web while in-game has always felt like a pipe-dream on any platform, but the PlayStation Vita’s upcoming v2.00 firmware update will finally make that fantasy a reality. Affable executive Shuhei Yoshida took to Twitter to confirm the news, announcing that the software refresh will transform the web browser...
News PSN Rolls Out the Red Carpet for More Retail Releases Next Week
Digital life
We’re rapidly approaching the point where most new PlayStation 3 releases are available digitally on the same day as retail, but that hasn’t always been the case. As such, Sony has ushered the online arrival of a wealth of older titles in recent weeks – and that’s set to continue with Darksiders II, Kingdoms of Amalur:...
News Buy a Bargain with PlayStation's Black Friday Bundles
Start queuing now
We’re too civilised to participate in anything as vulgar as Black Friday overseas – we wait until Boxing Day instead. Still, Sony clearly understands the importance of the day, and, as such, it has collated some of its best holiday bundles on the PlayStation Blog in order to keep you in the loop this year. Unsurprisingly,...
News Journey Walks Away with Seven Spike VGA 2012 Nominations
The road less travelled
It may have been a somewhat muted year for exclusive PlayStation 3 software, but thatgamecompany’s staggering Journey has ensured that the platform has a big presence at this year’s Spike Video Game Awards. The downloadable epic has been nominated for a whopping seven gongs, alongside the coveted Game of the Year award...
News PlayStation 3 Surpasses 70 Million Units Shipped Globally
Celebrate good times
While we all lament the PlayStation Vita’s current commercial woes, it’s worth remembering that the mighty PlayStation 3 once faced a similar predicament. There was a time when armchair analysts were calling for the console to be scrapped – but over the years, Sony has proved that the knee-jerk reactions were premature...
News Wonderbook Was Originally Conceived Over Seven Years Ago
Once upon a time
Sony will conjure Wonderbook: Book of Spells onto store shelves later this week – over seven years after the magical adventure was originally conceived. Chatting with VG247 at an industry event in London, art director Masami Kochi explained that the family friendly idea pre-dates even the PlayStation 3. “Back in 2005, when I...
News Gravity Rush's Kat Soars into PlayStation All-Stars
Emmett Graves, too
If there’s one character that’s been a consistent source of conversation during the build-up to PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale’s release, it’s Gravity Rush’s loveable heroine Kat. Despite being rumoured on a number of occasions, the protagonist is not part of the upcoming mascot mash-up’s initial roster – but...
News Sony Bend Recruiting for Blockbuster Vita Game
New blood
Sony Bend, the North American first-party studio responsible for the Syphon Filter franchise and the recent Uncharted: Golden Abyss, is staffing up for a new blockbuster PlayStation Vita title. A job listing for a Senior Staff Technical Animator on Gamasutra notes that the developer is currently looking for “top artistic talent to help...
News Have You Ever Wondered How Sony Could Afford Gaikai?
Convertible bonds
Sony is supposedly a shuffling financial wreck, but it still stumped up the $380 million required to acquire Gaikai. That doesn’t quite add up. Indeed, it turns out that the company is not quite as broke as it seems, having recently offloaded a slew of convertible bonds to the tune of $1.9 billion. A third of that cash will be...
News PlayStation Vita Slumps to Its Saddest Defeat Yet in Japan
Hide behind the sofa
The PlayStation Vita is a stunning system with some great games, but it’s becoming more and more difficult to overlook the platform’s commercial problems – especially overseas. While we still believe that it’s too early to pull the plug on the handheld, the situation in Japan is not looking good. In fact, it’s gone...
News Firmware Update v2.00 Adds Emails to the PlayStation Vita
Connected world
The PlayStation Vita’s upcoming v2.00 firmware update will not only add PlayStation Plus to the portable platform, but also a new email application as well. You’ll be able to hook up any accounts to the handheld assuming you have the appropriate information available – but there will be quick select options for Gmail and Yahoo...
News PlayStation Plus Expands to Vita in Style with Free Copies of Uncharted and Gravity Rush
Service launches next week
Frequent participants in the PlayStation Plus predictions post might want to pull up a pew – because the first Instant Game Collection update for PlayStation Vita beggars belief. Premium subscribers in Europe will be able to download free copies of both Uncharted: Golden Abyss and Gravity Rush when the service expands to...
News David Cage: I Wish I Could Say Nothing About Beyond
Keeping secrets
Quantic Dream's eccentric head honcho David Cage is keen to keep Beyond: Two Souls spoilers under wraps – to the point where he’d rather not talk about the game at all. Speaking with the PlayStation Blog in an interview published earlier today, the likeable director explained: “Like other game creators, I wish I could say...
News Full PlayStation Plus for Vita Details Dropping This Week
Pinky promise
We assumed that PlayStation Plus would have already expanded to Sony’s hottest handheld by now, but the eagle-eyed amongst you will have noticed that it hasn’t. That’s likely to change later this week, though, when the platform holder promises to reveal all about the service's expansion to the PlayStation Vita. On the subject of...
News Sony Bend on the Struggles of Creating a Convincing Female Lead for Golden Abyss
Elena job
For as interesting as Nathan Drake is, the protagonist has always relied on strong female characters to properly etch out his personality. According to a recent post-mortem with Gamasutra, that’s one area where Uncharted: Golden Abyss developer Sony Bend struggled. The game’s writer and director John Garvin has revealed that female...
News Purchase a 12GB PlayStation 3 and Wonderbook for £119.99
A kind of magic
If you’re looking for a decent stocking-filler this Christmas, UK retailer GameStation is running a magical deal. At the time of writing you can score a 12GB PlayStation 3 console with a copy of Wonderbook: Book of Spells, a Wonderbook accessory, a PlayStation Move motion controller, and a PlayStation Eye camera for – wait for it...
News God of War: Ascension Outlines the Advantages of Siding with Ares
Twisted firestarter
Selecting which mythical spirit to side with in God of War: Ascension’s multiplayer component is getting tougher and tougher all of the time. Sure, Zeus might have a perfectly groomed beard – but Ares is on friggin’ fire. This brand new trailer discusses the advantages of joining forces with the former God of War, and it...
News Senior Social Media Manager Jeff Rubenstein Exits PlayStation
Thanks for the memories
After a slew of rumours, Senior Social Media Manager Jeff Rubenstein has confirmed that he’s leaving PlayStation. Those that have been invested in the brand since the early PS3 days will know that Jeff has played an integral part in transforming the PlayStation Blog into one of the most popular gaming websites in the world...
News Sony: Sackboy Is Becoming a PlayStation Icon
LittleBigProtagonist
As the PlayStation 3 gets cheaper, Sony is banking on its mainstream characters to make the console more appealing to casual gamers and kids. One recognisable figure who’s quickly becoming the spear-head for that strategy is Sackboy. The burlap buccaneer has already appeared in two titles this year – LittleBigPlanet Vita and...
News PlayStation All-Stars Has Hundreds of Hours of Content
Plenty under the hood
PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale is not a small game. Lead designer (and former Capcom man) Seth Killian has revealed that the title has hundreds of hours worth of content across its various game modes. “Beyond arcade mode with intros, endings, and rival cut-scenes for every character and all the multiplayer stuff,...
